Last Updated on September 8, 2024 by Sara Rose
Do you know about the hermit crab lifespan in captivity? Usually, hermit crabs live outside on the beach. But what about when they are living in captivity?
Captivity means that they are being raised in the tank in someone’s home. Does this affect their lifespan? This article will tell you everything you need to know about raising hermit crabs.
Hermit crabs are a great beginner species to raise. They are a type of crustacean- a hard-shelled species that likes to live in beach environments. There are over 800 different species of hermit crabs!
In order to correctly raise the hermit crab, you will need to identify which species it is. Although the type of care is similar, there may be some differences in what you need to do based on the species.
Hermit crabs are particularly interesting because they need to spend their lives finding other creatures’ shells to inhabit. These shells are used as their protection. As they grow bigger, they continue to find larger shells to live in.
If you are wanting to prolong the hermit crab’s lifespan in captivity, you will need to provide good shells for them to use. This is one way you can create a better life for them in your tank system.
So what is the hermit lifespan in captivity? Keep reading now to find out this interesting information!
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How Well Do Hermit Crabs Live In Captivity?
When something is living in captivity it means they are not free. In nature, hermit crabs are free to roam wherever they want. According to the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology, aquatic hermit crabs “ spend most of their lives living in depths of saltwater that range from shallow reefs and shorelines to deep-sea bottoms, rarely leaving the water for land.”
Aquatic hermit crabs are some of the most popular species to raise. As mentioned earlier, these crabs need to find a shell to use as their home. How do they find these shells?
They scavenge the beach for any abandoned shells that may be available. Most commonly, hermit crabs use old sea snail shells to live IN. These shells come in a variety of sizes.
When they have safe conditions in nature, hermit crabs can live up to 30 years! Sadly, when you raise them in captivity, this fact changes.
One of the most important things to do in order to improve hermit crab lifespan in captivity is to take very good care of them. This means focusing on things like diet and tank environment.
If you provide them with proper, solid care it is possible for them to live 20 years. This is still 10 years less than they would live in the wild.
Keep in mind that if you chose to raise hermit crabs in a tank, they would not have as good of a life as if they were nature.
Learn more about: How To Raise Freshwater Shrimp At Home?
Unfortunately, many hermit crab owners do not take perfect care of their hermit crabs. It is due to this that a lot of them end up only living one year!
Let’s keep reading to understand how to provide the perfect conditions for your hermit crab. If you follow these tips, the hermit crab’s lifespan in captivity can be extended.
Tips To Make Your Hermit Crab Live Longer
The first thing to consider is how to set up your tank. The tank will become the hermit crab’s only home. Take your time to set up a very good environment for your hermit crab.
Keep in mind that hermit crabs are a tropical species. This means they cannot live in a cold environment. If your area is very cold, you will need to make sure to use a tank heater.
Also, one good way to make your hermit crab live longer is to raise them with other hermit crabs. They are very social beings. Raise at least 2 crabs together.
Make sure you have the right tank size. A good rule to follow is to allow 5 gallons of space for every two crabs. Since hermit crabs need to find shells for protection, you should leave between 3 and 5 shells lying around the tank
This is for only one hermit crab. So if you are raising 2 hermit crabs, you will need at least 6 shells to be available.
Hermit crabs like to burrow into the sand. So you will need to fill the bottom of your tank with an adequate amount of sand. Try to put in a layer that is at least 3 inches deep.
However, if you can, the more sand you put in the better. This will allow the hermits to burrow deep.
As you can see, hermit crab lifespan in captivity varies. The best way to increase this lifespan is to provide a happy environment for your crabs.
Good luck raising your hermit crabs.
Feel free to comment and ask questions below!
Read more about: Your Best Guide To Freshwater Fiddler Crab Care
FAQs
Can crabs be grown aquaponics?
Yes, crabs are a fun addition to any aquaponics system. However, be sure to research which species you are raising. Many crabs live in marine environments. This means that they require saltwater to survive. It is best to stick to freshwater varieties in aquaponics. The salt in the water will surely damage your plants.
Do hermit crabs do well in captivity?
Hermit crabs are able to be raised in captivity. However, they are social creatures. The best way to raise hermit crabs is to do it in pairs or groups. They can survive for up to 20 years if you provide them with healthy conditions. Sadly, most hermit crabs only make it to one years old. If done right, they make an adorable and reliable pet.
How can I make my hermit crab live longer?
The best way to make your hermit crab live longer is to feed it a healthy diet and keep a clean environment. They like to eat different vegetables like kale and spinach. Also, hermit crabs prefer a moist tank. Spray water in the tank every so often to make sure it stays humid.
What is the oldest hermit crab in captivity?
The oldest recorded living hermit crab is 42 years old. It is being raised as a pet in a retirement center in the U.S.A.
